International Journal of Osteoporosis and Metabolic Disorders - Current Issue

A Population-based Study on Bone Mineral Density Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) in Postmenopausal Women in Jakarta, Indonesia

11 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Osteoporosis is established using a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Patients were usually referred for DEXA from practice room. However, in most developing countries people have limited access to DEXA leading to underreport of osteoporosis prevalence. The aim of this study was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women using DEXA in a population-based study and to establish a correlation between BMD with some risk factors. Materials and Methods: Participants were postmenopausal women and referred from Posyandu. Anthropometric measurements were performed. DEXA was performed at the hip (total hip, femoral neck, trochanter and femoral shaft), distal radius and lumbar region (L1-L4). Participants were categorized according to body mass index (BMI) (normal if BMI <25 kg m^–2, overweight and obese if BMI >25kg m^–2) and to BMD (normal BMD if T-score>-1SD, low BMD if T-score<-1 SD). Pearson’s or Spearman tests were applied to analyze correlation between variables. Results: A total of 60 postmenopausal women were participated. The results showed 17 (28.3%) had osteopenia and 33 (55%) had osteoporosis. Age, age at menopause and duration of menopause had the strongest negative correlation with the BMD of the distal radius (r = -0.582, -0.414, -0.497, respectively, p<0.01), whereas weight and BMI were positively correlated with the BMD of the trochanter (r = 0.437and 0.424, p<0.01). Conclusion: Population-based recruitment confirmed that osteoporosis was more prevalent in postmenopausal women. Further, the correlation and the strength of the correlation between BMD and associated risk factors is bone site specific.

Application of FRAX to Determine the Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures in the Ukrainian Population

11 June, 2026

Background and Objective: FRAX is the most widely used tool for the assessment of the risk of osteoporotic fractures. The first country-specific FRAX model for Ukraine, calibrated to the total Ukrainian population, was developed in October, 2016. This study aimed to describe the output of the Ukrainian FRAX model and to illustrate its features compared to models for neighbouring countries. Materials and Methods: The development of the Ukrainian model of FRAX was based on two regional epidemiological studies in Ukraine [Vinnitsa city (1997-2002), STOP-study (Uzhgorod city and Vinnitsa area, 2011-2012)], which were performed to derive the incidence of hip fractures in men and women. The construct of the FRAX model for Ukraine required the beta coefficients for risk factors in the original FRAX model and the age and sex-specific incidence rates of hip fracture and mortality for Ukraine. Results: As expected, 10 year probability of hip or major osteoporotic fractures was increased in patients with a clinical risk factor (CRF), female gender, higher age, lower BMI and decreased BMD T-score. Of the CRFs, a prior fracture had greatest effect in the age group 50-70 years and parental hip fracture accounted for the greatest increase in 10-year fracture probability in the age group 80-90 years. Conclusion: The Ukrainian FRAX tool is the first country-specific fracture prediction model available in Ukraine which is based on the original FRAX^® methodology, that has been externally validated in several independent cohorts. Despite some limitations, the strengths make the Ukrainian FRAX tool a good candidate for implementation into clinical practice.

Osteoporosis, Osteopenia and Their Associated Risk Factors among Saudi Males

11 June, 2026

Background and Objective: The majority of studies worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia, have investigated low bone mineral density (BMD) and its associated risk factors in postmenopausal women. The objectives of the current study were as follows: (1) To assess the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among Saudi men aged 50 years and older and (2) To investigate the factors associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,022 Saudi men aged 50 years and older. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Anthropometric parameters and biomarkers were measured. Bone densitometry was assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure BMD levels. Results: The prevalence of osteopenia was 40.7% and the prevalence of osteoporosis was 9.3%. Based on the multi variable multinomial regression model, the factors that were significantly associated with osteopenia included low educational level and low body mass index (BMI), while the factors that were significantly associated with osteoporosis included old age, low BMI, smoking and a family history of fragility fractures. Conclusion: Low bone mass is prevalent among Saudi men and is associated with age, education, BMI, smoking and a family history of fragility fractures. Increasing the awareness of osteopenia, osteoporosis and their associated risk factors through education and community programmes will be essential in preventing the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis in the elderly population.

Trends in Mortality Rates Due to Osteoporotic Hip Fractures in Ecuador from 1997 to 2016

11 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Hip fracture (HF) is a major public health concern because of its association with high mortality, particularly in older adults. National trends of in-hospital HF mortality in Ecuador have not yet been assessed. This study analyzed the trends of in-hospital mortality due to HF in the Ecuadorian population and compared with those of other populations. Materials and Methods: A time trend analysis based on the Ecuador population from 1997 to 2016 was conducted. Data from The Hospital Discharges Yearbook of Ecuador was used to determine the number of male and female patients aged >60 years who were hospitalized with HF. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated. Mortality rates were age-standardized with the direct method, using the world population (WHO) as standard. Trends in the mortality rates standardized by age were estimated using Joinpoint regression analysis and expressed as annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC). Results: There were 895 deaths due to HF (564 women, 331 men). Mortality in men between 1997 and 2016 significantly increased with an estimated AAPC of 2.5%. In women, mortality showed a statistically significant increase with an estimated AAPC of 8.6%. Conclusion: Incidence of in-hospital mortality due to HF during the study reference period in Ecuador showed a statistically significant increase in both sexes. Trends observed in Ecuador were not similar to those observed in other countries and required an additional analysis to identify the determinants of this trend.